Rangers produced a dismal first-half performance and trailed by three goals in their Champions League playoff first leg against Club Brugge at Ibrox before pulling a goal back to give themselves a lifeline for the second leg.
Russell Martin’s side conceded three goals inside the opening 20 minutes, and the damage could well have been greater before they pulled one back to take a two-goal deficit to Belgium next week.
It was a disastrous start for Martin’s men, who fell behind after just three minutes when centre-back Nasser Djiga left a ball over the top for Jack Butland, but Romeo Vermant got their first before lofting a finish over the Rangers keeper.
It quickly went from bad to worse, with the visitors doubling their lead through defender Jorne Spileers less than five minutes later.
Ibrox had suddenly become a cacophony of boos and jeers. With just 20 minutes gone, fans had already started flocking to the exits after Brandon Mechele, making his 500th appearance for the visitors, added a third.
The hosts mounted something of a comeback after the break, and showed signs of improvement when Danilo slid in to send Jayden Meghoma’s fizzed cross into the back of the net.
Djeidi Gassama then thought he had got Rangers firmly back in the tie when he tucked the ball home from close range.
However, the officials adjudged that Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet had both hands on the ball and the goal was chalked off.
It may prove to be a pivotal moment in the contest. At 3-1 down, Rangers’ Champions League hopes now lie in the balance. But the damage may have been done in the first 20 minutes.
